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To Critique or Not to Critique, That is the Question

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Is it just me or do some people critique like they have an ax in their hand?

I have realized one of the hardest aspects of writing is getting my work critiqued. Whether it’s finding the right people to critique my work, reading people’s feedback about my work, or the reaction of others when I critique their work, it’s all a bit of a landmine sometimes. My ego gets stepped on meanwhile I accidentally step on the ego of others.

And recently I had two experiences through the critiquing process that I wanted to share you and maybe we’ll learn something along the way together.

First, I’d like to share that I will occasionally submit my writing to be critiqued at the Zoetrope writing forum. It’s been a fine experience overall. I mean, it’s basically internet strangers reading my work and everyone has a different flair. Some people are better at critiquing than others (or at least, some are more willing to put in the effort). No matter what, I learn something valuable each time.

Recently, I decided to read over the feedback of a flash fiction piece that I had worked on months ago. As a result, I noticed feedback I didn’t read closely. I was surprised at how much it helped me. Months ago when I read this feedback it felt cold and cutting. Now when I read it, I felt helpful and insightful.

I learned that receiving critiques about my writing isn’t always easy. I also realize I don’t always read the critiques properly. Sometimes the feedback and critiques feel mean. Except when I give myself time from this feedback I realize there is value even in the sharp-edged remarks.

And then another lesson happened. I submitted feedback for someone else’s work. With Zoetrope there is a rating system (which I don’t like). I gave this person 7/10. And I don’t know about you but in the IMDB world, that is a great rating. Yet this person was offended. Like, deeply offended. And they explained how they didn’t understand my rating. My feedback was positive so why didn’t I give them a 10? Or a 9, even?

I explained to them that my ratings of 9 and 10 would go to a piece of writing that hits me in a profound way. 7 and 8 is a good rating (at least to me it is). Yet, that still wasn’t enough of an explanation to this person. They revealed to me that the rating mattered more to them than the critique. And they even explained away the feedback I did give them. They also went on to say why they deserved a higher rating. In reply, I said, “Thank you for the information.” And I have decided to move on from that forum.

Whether it’s a close friend or family member or an online critique group, getting critiques about your work is never an easy process. I don’t know about you, but the truth is I’d love to a rating of 10 out of 10 for all of my stories. Yet that isn’t realistic for the revising process.

Remember that in the critiquing and revising process, your piece of writing is still growing into what it could be. Think of the people in your life that critique your work as fellow gardeners pointing out where you should prune. Most of all, you have the final say and only you can shape the story into a beautiful garden.

If you’ll excuse me, I have some pruning to do.

(C) Copyright wow-womenonwriting.com

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Source: https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/2019/09/to-critique-or-not-to-critique-that-is.html


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